| Final Declaration of the "International Halal Conference and Exhibition" Tehran, I.R Iran March 2-5, 2010 |
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The 1st International Halal Conference and Exhibition was held in Tehran, I.R . of Iran on March 2-5, 2010 in order to face challenges and opportunities of Halal related issues and to enhance Halal trade, Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines (ICCIM), the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) as well as the Islamic Chamber Research and Information Center (ICRIC) organized a conference in line with the OIC Halal Standards to develope a Global Halal Certification System to promote a Halal Brand as a superior set of standards.... In the 4 days Conference and Exhibition with participation of businessmen, scholars, experts of member countries and international organizations as well as chambers of commerce of member countries, some presentations were made on various aspects of Halal Certification and Trade and in line with the OIC 10-Years Plan of Action which was adopted during the Third Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Conference in Makkah to address the challenges faced by the Muslim World in the 21st century and to identify ways and means to tackle them with a renewed spirit based on the principles of Islamic Solidarity.The participants unanimously expressed their support for the below items: 1- International Halal Conference and Exhibition meant to introduce the potentials of Halal producers in OIC countries to the world and is a suitable platform for the interaction of corporations that should be pursued by all Muslim Countries. 2- The vast billion Dollar Halal market is the best incentive for moving towards the Islamic Common Market and strengthening Muslim World solidarity, and the Member countries can make use of this opportunity to promote Halal trade in their countries and all over the world. 3- In order to strengthen the competitiveness of Halal goods in the global market, the legislation bodies of the OIC countries are called upon to prepare a Preferential Tariff Agreement for Halal goods and services. 4- Research and scientific studies are the essential tools for promotion of Halal trade and hence the "Halal Reseach Institutes" are proposed to be supported technically and financially by OIC Institutions such as the Islamic Development Bank (IDB). 5- The Compilation of "Halal Food Standards" by the SEG Task Force during the COMCEC Meetings in Turkey by the standard experts of the OIC member countries, was a historic step hoping its adoption during the COMCEC meeting in 2010 will pave the way for the implementation of the OIC Halal Standards in all Islamic Countries. 6- While supporting Halal Certificating Bodies throughout the world, the efforts carried out by all Islamic Chamber affiliated bodies in realization of Global Halal Brand is appreciated and all Halal certificating bodies are invited to collaborate with the Islamic Chamber and its affiliated bodies such as IRTI, ICRIC, IHI etc. in promotion of the Global Halal Brand 7- There should be harmonization of Halal food standards among OIC countries. This will also ease the import and export issues. There is a strong need for a joint meeting of standards organizations of OIC member countries to harmonize their standards. 8- Appreciating the efforts to define and implement mechanisms for the OIC Halal Standards and the supervision over the Halal Certificating Bodies in these countries, it is recommended that institutions who excel in this area be conglomerated to concert and oversee the scientific and research efforts made in Halal Certification Institutions in OIC and non-OIC Countries. 9- In order to encourage and contribute to projects carried out in the area of Halal, it is deliberated that ICRIC as an ICCI affiliate shall design an award for the superior researchers of Halal by due support and contributions of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) annually. 10- In relation to the Halal Financial Services, central banks and the financial institutions of the member countries are invited to collaborate with the IDB for adoption the "Standards of Halal Financial Services". 11- The elite companies and merchants of the Islamic countries shall form an organization to invest in Halal industries of the world. 12- Islamic Development Bank expresses its readiness to contribute to research projects and trade promotion activities in Islamic countries regarding Halal products. 13- Islamic Banking should be given due attention in light of the global financial crisis, therefore these methods should be promoted and developed globally in collaboration of OIC member institutions namely the Islamic Development Bank. 14- SME's and entrepreneurs acting in Halal industry shall be connected through a network in Islamic countries in collaboration of OIC member chambers and relevant scientific and research institutes in Islamic countries. 15- The role of women in Halal trade should be given due attention and plans for due implementations shall be prepared by the Islamic Chamber, Islamic Development Bank and the Islamic Chamber research institutes such as IRTI, IHI, ICRIC, SESRIC, etc. 16- The use of mentioning the E No. or INS codes can be optional on labels. But the commonly understandable name of the additives should be mentioned on the label for common consumers. 17- Gelatin should have a clear certification explaining the halal origin and all products using the gelatin should be clearly labeled. 18- The issue of “stunning” has to be resolved and finalize as soon as possible. 19- All food additives used in the food products should comply with food safety requirements. 20- The delegates mutually agreed that such Halal events would go along way in promoting the awareness of Halal products and services 21- The delegates concluded that for the Halal Brand to be used in any product or service, the basic fundamental principles of the Islamic law must be adhered to irrespective of the industry or market needs. 22- The participants propose to create a network of research institutions to collaborate in developing Halal alternatives to conventionally non-Halal ingredients. 23- The house suggest research institutes and universities across OIC countries to work on replacing non-shariah compatible pharmaceutical products with Halal ones. 24- The house urges research institutes and companies working on Halal pharmaceutical industry to connect within a network for interaction on sensitive issues. 25- The meeting recommends pharmaceutical companies in OIC countries to cooperate with universities to develop human capital for a sustainable Halal pharmaceutical industry. 26- The house urges OIC countries to be well aware of the importance of Halal pharmaceutical usage as an alternative to conventional ones. In addition to above, the participants called upon the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Islamic Chamber and its affiliated offices such as Islamic Chamber Research an Information Center (ICRIC), and any other OIC institution to make their best efforts in realization of the Global Halal Brand and Halal products trade in the domains of: • Halal Food • Halal Pharmaceuticals • Halal Hygienic Materials • Halal Cosmetics • Halal Services (Banking, Tourism, etc.) The participants expressed their profound gratitude to the President of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines (ICCIM), His Excellency Dr Mohammad Nahavandian, and his colleagues at the ICCIM for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to the participants and for the excellent arrangements made to ensure the success of these events. The participants also expressed their gratitude to the Honorable President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Mohammad Ali, for his honor's support and contribution to the events' optimal organization. |
Halal World
